As I get older, I am becoming more and more obsessed with foundation. I'm always on the lookout for the newest products available to even out my skin tone and hide my skin's imperfections. A few years ago, I saw almost every girl on YouTube talking about how amazing BB creams were, so I went a hunt around Los Angeles to find the Asian brands they mentioned. I've had great experiences with BB creams from Asian brands, so I've been interested in seeing how the American drugstore versions compare.
In case you're not familiar with the concept, BB or Blemish Balm creams were initially used by Korean dermatologists as a skincare/makeup hybrid to treat and cover their patients' scarring and redness from laser skincare procedures and were later used in TV and film by Korean actresses. They're sort of an all-in-one skincare/makeup product that act as your moisturizer, primer, concealer, and foundation. The trend has since caught online worldwide, and it seems like every brand has a BB cream now. The Asian BB Creams that I've used are thick, creamy, and provide medium coverage with a dewy finish.
For the past few weeks, I've been testing out the L'Oreal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream. It claims to create a "flawless bare skin finish" while acting as a primer, foundation, concealer, and moisturizer. The BB cream comes out of the tube as a fluid white cream with tiny specks of tan that blend together to match your skintone. Once applied, the BB Cream provides sheer to light coverage. It basically perks up your skin tone a bit, but it will not coverage skin imperfections.
I prefer a foundation that provides a bit more coverage, but this BB cream is great for days when you're going for a more natural look or if you have naturally perfect skin! It is slightly moisturizing, but it doesn't dry to a dewy or greasy finish. Once dry, it does feel like a primer- it has a slightly slick, silicone-like feeling. In my opinion, this product is more similar to a tinted moisturizer than a BB cream. It provides very light coverage with a bit of a tint, so it would be perfect for days at the beach, gym, or running errands. I tend to wear this BB cream when I teach dance classes because it provides a little bit of moisture to my face and very slightly evens out my skin tone.
Overall, this product does not live up to its BB cream claims. In my opinion, it does not conceal skin imperfections or even out your skin tone. While I wouldn't recommend this product if you're looking for a true BB cream or something similar to a regular foundation, it could be just what you're looking for if you prefer a no-makeup, natural look or just want something to throw on your face to go to the gym. It also works decently as a moisturizer/primer underneath your foundation.
Have you tried any BB creams? What are your favorite brands?
I received this product from SheSpeaks for review consideration. All opinions stated are my honest thoughts.








I am so over BB Creams. The best drugstore one for me was Maybelline but if I had to pick one my all time fav is Dr. Jart+.
ReplyDeleteTake Care,
Mandy Jean
www.mandyjeanchic.com
I still like my Liole Triple the Solution BB cream, but other than that I'm with you! I mainly use this as tinted moisturizer or primer.
DeleteI hated this one! You are right it just didn't live up to any claims it made. I loved the Maybelline one actually! It is just the right amount of coverage and hydration for my skin. I also hated the Garnier one too. Too smelly haha
ReplyDeleteI didn't like the Garnier one either! I only tried a sample, but it was extremely orange and unnatural looking!
DeleteI haven't tried this one... I like to get real Asian ones, as I've had the best results with them.
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking out my blog! I've returned the follow and can't wait to read more! :D
Me too- the American ones so far just don't live up to the Asian versions!
DeleteFunny- I actually really like this one! I wear it everyday and it's super lightweight and covers red spots/pimples etc.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it works for you! I like it too for days when I just want very light coverage, but I just thought it was mismarketed :)
DeleteI'm the one that asked you what your favorite BB cream is on twitter! I wanted to write you on here because there aren't enough characters on twitter but I was out today to pick up the Maybelline BB cream to try and Wal-Mart is carrying a new makeup line by (or perhaps just endorsed by?) Drew Barrymore called Flower. They have a BB Cream and it was surprisingly thick so I thought I'd let you know in case you wanted to try it out.. I thought maybe it would be more like the Asian BB creams you like! Thanks for letting me know the brand you like! I'm anxious to try it out!
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks for letting me know! I've been hearing great things about the entire Flower line- especially the lip butters- so I'll have to plan a Walmart trip to check it out!
DeleteI am obsessed with Bobbi Brown's BB Cream. It's light and airy like a standard BB formula, but it actually covers my skin imperfections, which all other brands haven't done. Good to know about L'Oreal, though.. I'll be sure to steer clear!
ReplyDeleteI've loved every Bobbi Brown product I've ever tried, so I'll have to check that one out when my current foundations run out :)
DeleteI prefer tinted moisturisers. Thank you for commenting on my blog. Now following on G.F.C too;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm coming to that conclusion too!
DeleteI have tried the Garnier BB cream, but a few hours after putting it on my face gets the dreaded shininess we all hate! I have somewhat normal skin I'd like to think, mostly on the dryer side actually so I was surprised by this. Looks like I need to try something new!
ReplyDeleteI hate when that happens! Idk if it's just my skin tone, but the Garnier BB Cream made me look Jersey Shore orange!
Deletei'm on the hunt for the perfect foundation or tinted moisturizer. thanks for the bb cream tips!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I'm always looking for something new! My current favs are Revlon Nearly Naked foundation and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer!
DeleteThanks for the tip! I have been using a Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer for a while now, and I had been considering the BB cream, but I think for now I will stick with what I know :) also, thanks for following my blog and the sweet comment. I am loving your blog so far!!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Erin
www.sugarsnappearls.com